A jigsaw is an ideal tool for cutting irregular shapes. However, not all jigsaw blades are made equal. They all have their features and strengths, so you’ll have to do some probing before settling on the best jigsaw blade for your project.
After hours of research and thorough testing, we’ve concluded that the DEWALT D3742C is the best solution for your needs. Even though the set is more expensive and has fewer jigsaw blades, its quality is outstanding, and the performance is among the finest.
In this jigsaw blades guide, we’ll walk you through the many different types of jigsaw blades. We will also discuss the best jigsaw blades on the market, their key features, and their strengths and drawbacks.
Aside from that, we’ll explore some of the factors to consider when buying jigsaw blades and address some frequently asked questions regarding them. By the end of this guide, you’ll have the information you need to select the best jigsaw blades according to your needs.
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Types of Jigsaw Blades
We can classify jigsaw blades based on their shank types. The shank of a jigsaw blade is the part that enters the machine or locks into its blade clamp. As of now, T-shank and U-shank are the two styles of shanks available.
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T-Shank Blades
T-shank blades are the most popular. And there is a high chance that your machine is using this shank since they are compatible with most modern jigsaws.
Besides being compatible with most jigsaw machines, T-shank blades are also easier to use than their U-shank counterparts.
With a T-shank blade, you can simply push a button, and that’s all you need to do to change the blade.
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U-Shank Blades
U-shank blades are also called universal shanks. A U-shank arrangement was standard on most earlier jigsaw machines.
To change a U-shank blade, you’ll need an Allen key or a retaining screw to help you fasten the blade onto the jigsaw machine.
So, if you don’t have these tools or the skills to do so, working with U-shank blades could prove to be quite a challenge for you.
Their blade-changing process is slower and more complex, which is why they aren’t as common as T-shank blades.
Our Top Picks of the Best Jigsaw Blades
Jigsaw blades are critical to the success of your project. Even if you have the most expensive jigsaw on the market, it will be practically useless if your blades are of poor quality.
However, with so many different types of jigsaw blades available, you may not have the time to browse through them all to select the finest one for your needs.
Fortunately, we’ve done the heavy lifting for you and narrowed down your options. So here are the best jigsaw blades on the market right now.
1. DEWALT D3742C 14-Piece Jigsaw Blade Set
Jigsaw blades from DeWalt are known for their high quality, and the DeWalt D3742C is no different.
It’s a set of sturdy jigsaw blades that can handle the bulk of your cutting tasks. You’ll get seven different jigsaw blades in this package, as well as a backup set of 7 blades in case the first one bends or breaks.
Four of the seven blades are for woodworking, one is for laminating projects, and the remaining two are for metal work tasks. With such an impressive array of blades, you will be able to manage a wide range of cutting jobs.
Their outstanding versatility and adaptability mean you can also use them to cut plastics, among other materials.
Pros
- Durable construction
- Highly versatile
- Sharp blades for precise cuts
Cons
- The case is made of brittle plastic
- The locking mechanism is loose
So if you’re searching for a set of jigsaw blades that’s versatile, sturdy, and dependable, go no further than the DeWalt D3742C. With this collection of jigsaw blades, you can tackle a broad range of tasks, whether you’re cutting wood, metal, plastic, or laminate.
2. MRCGTCE 50 Piece Contractor Jigsaw Blades
If your job requires you to make hundreds of cuts on various materials, you will need a jigsaw blade set containing several blades.
The MRCGTCE 50PC set is an excellent choice for this purpose. However, you’re probably wondering why you should buy this jigsaw blade set instead of the other alternatives available. Well, here are some of the reasons:
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Highly Versatile
The impressive versatility of this jigsaw blade set is what distinguishes it from competitors. It comes with a variety of blades that you can use to cut metal sheets of varying thicknesses.
As the name suggests, this set includes up to 50 assorted jigsaw blades, which you may use to cut various materials such as wood, metal, and plastic.
Furthermore, it features a T-shank design, meaning it can suit most of the famous jigsaw brands like DeWalt, Bosch, and Makita, to name a few. It also comes with a scroll blade that you can use to create clean and precise cuts in wooden pieces.
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Sturdy and Durable Construction
According to the manufacturer, these jigsaw blades are more robust than most of those on the market. The blades in this set are constructed with high-carbon steel for making clean cuts in wood, while the others are made of high-speed steel.
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Convenient Design
This kit also includes a sturdy storage case that makes it simple to keep the jigsaw blades organized for easy sorting and access. The case will also make it easy to transport the jigsaw blades from one location to the other, which is especially useful if you’re working on a project outside of your house or workshop.
Pros
- Impressive versatility
- Sturdy construction
- Convenient design
Cons
- Some blades don’t fit the Milwaukee jigsaw
- The ends of the blade are relatively loose
Even if the MRCGTCE 50PC set of jigsaw blades is less expensive than premium brands, that doesn’t mean it’s of inferior quality or performance. People who have used these blades claim that they operate virtually as well as most high-end jigsaw blades.
They also last longer and are less likely to lose their sharpness. With these jigsaw blades, you can rest assured that you will receive good value for your money.
3. Bosch T-Shank Multipurpose
When it comes to power tools, Bosch is a household name. It also makes some of the best jigsaw blades on the market.
These blades combine performance, durability, affordability, and excellent value for money. T-shank multipurpose jigsaw blades from Bosch are no exception.
Some of its standout features include:
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Superb Compatibility
Designed for wood and metal cutting, these jigsaw blades are compatible with about 90% of modern jigsaws.
Apart from Bosch, these jigsaw blades also work with various other brands, including Hitachi, DeWalt, Milwaukee, Porter-Cable, Makita, Craftsman, and Metabo.
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Versatile
This jigsaw blade set includes ten different jigsaw blades used to make cuts in wood and metal. Whether you’re cutting clean, straight lines in wood or cutting through a thick sheet of metal, you can count on these blades to get the job done right.
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Convenient Design
Thanks to their T-shank design, mounting these blades on the jigsaw is quick and straightforward. Unlike other types of blades, you won’t have to waste time fastening or unfastening a screw. Instead, all you have to do is press it into the jigsaw, and it will snap into place.
Pros
- Durable construction
- Highly versatile
- Precise cuts
Cons
- Flimsy case
- The teeth wear off relatively quick
If you’re looking for jigsaw blades but aren’t sure which ones to choose, this kit is an excellent place to start. The blades cut through metal and wood with ease, are competitively priced and well-constructed.
But, overall, you’ll have a hard time finding a set of jigsaw blades that compare to these.
4. Black and Decker 24PC
The Black and Decker 24-piece jigsaw blade kit is an excellent set of blades for users who cut various materials. The following are some of its essential features:
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Top-Notch Versatility
This 24-piece jigsaw blade set comes with an assortment of blades that you may use to cut various materials.
It features numerous metal blades to cut different types of metals. It also has scrolling blades designed for making intricate cuts in wood. With this package, you’ll also receive a set of multi-purpose blades that may be used to cut wood, metal, and other materials.
So, whether you’re cutting aluminum, PVC, wood, or metal for a project, this kit will be a perfect fit.
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Durable Construction
Jigsaw blades have a tendency to break, bend, or lose their edge quickly, which is one of their most prevalent problems. And it’s all because of lousy manufacturing.
But with the Black and Decker jigsaw blades, you won’t have to worry about these issues. They are built of high-quality materials and have a superior level of craftsmanship. As a result, you can expect long-lasting performance from these blades.
Pros
- Well-constructed
- Make clean and precise cuts
- Provide excellent value for money
Cons
- The blades may not be compatible with some tools
- Most suitable for light use
If you are looking for reliable and durable jigsaw blades that remain sharp for a long time, then these Black and Decker blades will be the perfect fit.
5. HORUSDY 25PC
If you are cutting various materials throughout the day, you will need several jigsaw blades to handle the different cutting tasks.
This is where the Horusdy 25-piece set comes in. With over 25 different jigsaw blades, this kit can tackle even the most demanding cutting jobs.
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Highly Compatible
You can find the T-shank design on all of the jigsaw blades in this package. And as you might expect, they also suit most of the modern jigsaws.
Whether you have a DeWalt jigsaw, a Bosch jigsaw, or any other current jigsaw, these blades will fit flawlessly in your tool.
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Fast and Precise Cuts
According to users, these blades make fast and precise cuts regardless of the material you are working with. So, whether you’re working on a small project that requires well-defined cuts or cutting large sheets into smaller pieces, these jigsaw blades are just what you need.
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Multipurpose
This kit features different types of blades for making straight and sharp cuts in wood and cutting thin sheets of metal.
Blades for cutting aluminum and steel and a few blades for cutting hardwoods and heavy-gauge metals are also included. You can rely on this set of jigsaw blades to complete your project on schedule, regardless of how intense or complex it is.
Pros
- Great selection of blades
- High-quality blades
- Compatible with a wide range of tools
Cons
- Metal blades don’t perform as expected
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a set of jigsaw blades that can rival the Horusdy 25-piece kit for the price. However, they’re well made, functional, and come with a reasonable price tag.
6. Gunpla 15-Piece Jigsaw Blades
This set from Gunpla is worth considering if you’re looking for budget-friendly jigsaw blades that can cut wood, metal, plastic, and a variety of other materials.
The complete package comes with five sets of three different blades. In addition, a set for rapid and curved cuts, one for making straight and quick cuts, and one for cutting metal sheets are included.
This set’s jigsaw blades are all compatible with most jigs, making them ideal for a wide range of applications. Some of their notable features include:
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Quality Construction
The jigsaw blades in this set are constructed of high carbon steel, which is known for its exceptional durability. Whether you are cutting through thick sheets of plastic, hardwood, or steel, these blades will not bend, break, or grow dull quickly.
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Accurate Cuts
If you have a project requiring you to make precise cuts, these jigsaw blades are ideal for the task. Most people who have used these jigsaw blades agree that they are pretty efficient when it comes to performing various cuts that demand a high level of precision.
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Sharp Teeth
You may sometimes need to cut through thick sheets of metal or hardwood timber for a DIY project.
And if your jigsaw blades aren’t sharp enough, you’ll waste more time and effort than is necessary. These blades, on the other hand, will not make you encounter such challenges.
They are equipped with sharp teeth that will help you cut through hard materials quickly, saving you both time and energy.
Pros
- Fast and accurate cuts
- Sturdy construction
- Outstanding versatility
Cons
- Not recommended for big projects
- The kit doesn’t come with a carry case
With their quality construction and effective performance, these jigsaw blades can handle practically any cutting task. Moreover, considering their budget-friendly price tag, you can be confident that you will get good value for your money when buying these jigsaw blades.
Factors to Consider When Buying Jigsaw Blades
As previously said, investing in the right jigsaw blade will go a long way toward ensuring that you get satisfying, precise, and high-quality cuts.
As a result, when it’s time to purchase a jigsaw blade for your machine, choosing one that aligns best with your needs is essential. With that in mind, here are a few things to think about before choosing the jigsaw blade of your choice:
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Blade Length
When you’re looking for jigsaw blades, one of the most important aspects to consider is blade length.
Purchasing a blade that is too short for the work at hand may result in you spending more time on the project. You may also find it challenging to get the precision you seek if the blade is not long enough for the required task.
There are two figures to consider in terms of blade length: total blade length and cutting length. The total blade length refers to the entire length of the blade, measured from the blade’s tip to the end of the shank.
On the other hand, cutting length refers to the portion of the jigsaw blade that will be doing the actual work. As a result, you should always pick a blade with a cutting length that is adequate for the job.
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Blade Material
Jigsaw blades are constructed from a variety of materials and compounds. As you might guess, more rigid blades are intended to cut harder materials and vice versa.
However, you may come across blades that can cut through both soft and hard materials. Simply put, it’s essential to select a blade material that matches the piece you are working on.
Some of the most popular jigsaw blade materials include:
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High Carbon Steel
High Carbon Steel (HCS) blades are manufactured from a mix of iron, carbon, and manganese.
They’re among the most adaptable jigsaw blades on the market right now. Because of their increased flexibility, these blades are ideal for cutting softer materials like light-duty plastics or softer wood.
HCS jigsaw blades are also among the most affordable. As a result, there’s a good chance you’ll come across them in practically any workshop you walk into.
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High-Speed Steel
These blades, also known as HSS jigsaw blades, are suited for more rigid materials such as thicker plastic sheets. However, they are not ideal for cutting through metal.
The metal composition utilized in their manufacturing makes these blades strong and inflexible. As a result, they are prone to breaking, primarily when used to cut curves and bends.
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Bi-Metal Jigsaw Blades
These blades are made from a mix of HSS and HCS. The teeth are composed of high-speed steel, whereas the blade’s body is made of HCS.
The use of these materials in combination helps to overcome the drawbacks presented by HSS and HCS blades. For instance, they can cut through tougher materials without blunting the teeth. You may also use Bi-metal jigsaw blades to cut curves and bends without breaking prematurely.
Jigsaw blades made with bi-metal endure far longer than those made of HCS and HSS. Although they’re the most costly blades available, you can be confident that you will get good value for your money due to their enhanced durability.
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Blade Application
Different types of jigsaw blades are designed to cut through various materials, including metal, wood, and plastic.
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Plastic
If your project requires you to deal with different types of plastics, then a multipurpose jigsaw blade is the way to go. These blades can cut through various plastics and other materials such as PVC, polycarbonate, acrylic, and Plexiglas, among others.
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Wood
Wood-cutting jigsaw blades can have either big, widely spaced teeth or smaller, tightly spaced teeth.
Large and widely spread teeth are designed primarily for cutting chunkier or harder construction timber. On the other hand, jigsaw blades intended for cutting softwood have smaller, closely spaced teeth to give a smooth and precise finish.
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Metal
If you are working with different pieces of metal like angle irons, pipes, iron sheets, galvanized steel sheets, or round bars, you should get jigsaw blades made of hardened alloys.
Carbon steel blades are the most appropriate for this type of job. You can use them to cut through copper, aluminum, steel, brass, and their alloys.
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Specialist Blades
You may sometimes find yourself working on a project that requires cutting additional materials such as fiber cement, ceramic tiles, leather, rubber, laminates, or sandwich panels. Typically, blades for this type of project are labeled as such.
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Blade Teeth
Jigsaw blades come in various tooth designs, depending on the material being cut and the level of precision you want to accomplish.
But in general, jigsaw blades with a high tooth count are made for finer cuts, while those with a lower teeth count are suited for rougher cuts. In addition, metal-cutting jigsaw blades have smaller, finer teeth, whereas those for cutting pieces of wood come with larger, widely spaced teeth.
Jigsaw blades are also available in different tooth layouts, each of which is designed to handle a particular task.
Tampered, wavy, reverse and side layouts are the most common. Jigsaw blades with tapered teeth are ideal for slow, refined cuts, while those with wavy alignment are best for straight and fine cuts.
A jigsaw blade with reverse teeth alignment will be great for cutting through materials prone to chipping, such as ceramic tiles.
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Blade Thickness
Jigsaw blades are available in varying levels of thicknesses, which are generally listed on the product label.
The thickness you choose should be determined by the material you are working with and the precision you want to attain. For example, if you use a narrow blade to cut through a heavy piece of wood, you may end up with deformed cuts. In this case, a thicker blade is recommended.
On the other hand, if you’re cutting a thinner piece of wood or plastic and want fine and clean cuts, then you’ll want to use a thinner blade.
A thinner blade is more suitable for tasks that demand a lot of maneuverability or cutting several curves.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Jigsaw Blades
1. Are jigsaw blades universal?
No, that isn’t true. Jigsaw blades are made to fit specific jigsaws. For instance, T-shank jigsaw blades are compatible with most of the newer jigsaws, but U-shank jigsaw blades will be compatible with earlier versions.
2. Can you sharpen jigsaw blades?
No. Most jigsaw blades are made using hardened steel, among other hard materials. And since they are as hard as the file you use to sharpen them, it’s nearly impossible to restore their cutting edge.
3. How do jigsaw blades attach to the jigsaw?
The method utilized will be determined by the type of jigsaw. If you’re using a U-shank jigsaw blade, then it will be fastened with a screw that you can tighten or loosen utilizing a screwdriver or an Allen key. If it’s T-shank, all you have to do is insert it, and it’ll click into place.
4. What are jigsaw blades made of?
Four different materials are used to make most jigsaw blades. These include high-speed steel (HSS), high carbon steel (HCS), bi-metal, and tungsten carbide.
Conclusion: Putting It All Together
Choosing the best jigsaw blade might be difficult. But keep in mind that picking the perfect blade will ensure that you not only save money on your next project but also that you do it correctly. A well-constructed jigsaw should not be too challenging, and if it is, it is probably not the best option for you.
Consider the materials you’ll be cutting, your personal preferences, and your budget as the most critical factors in ensuring you buy the best jigsaw blades.
